One of the nation's largest aquariums, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a visual and tactile treat. The Aquarium of the Pacific is organized into three main galleries, each showcasing a different region of the Pacific Ocean. Here are some of the highlights of the aquarium's exhibits.
Exhibits at the Aquarium of the Pacific
- Great Hall of the Pacific- here visitors can view the film Whales: A Journey with Giants and see the Blue Cavern habitat representing the kelp forests found near Santa Catalina Island.
- Southern California/Baja Gallery- here are many opportunities to interact with the animals; visitors can touch sea anemones, urchins and other creatures at the Tidepool Treasures Discovery Lab, and actually pet bat rays and shovelnose guitarfish in the Ray Touchpool. Seals and sea lions put on an entertaining show, and the Gulf of California and Amber Forest exhibits display a diverse array of fascinating species.
- Northern Pacific Gallery- charming sea otters swim and dive, graceful sea jellies silently rise and sink in their tanks, and giant spider crabs, Pacific octopus, and diving birds can be found here.
- Tropical Pacific Gallery- featuring species native to the archipelago of Palau in Micronesia, this gallery includes displays of coral, seahorses, sea dragons, frogs, giant clams and the immense Tropical Reef habitat exhibit with more than 1,000 animals.
- Shark Lagoon- numerous species of sharks can be seen here, including tiger sharks, bamboo sharks and zebra sharks, as well as sawfish.
- Lorikeet Forest- vibrantly colored Rainbow Lorikeets fly freely within the screened confines of the Lorikeet Forest. Visitors can purchase nectar to offer the birds, which will land on their arms to drink.
Other Activities at or Near the Aquarium of the Pacific
There are a number of other activities that visitors can enjoy, either within the aquarium or in the vicinity, including a 4D movie at the Honda Theater, behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium, opportunities to feed the animals, whale watching and harbor tours. Most of these activities require reservations, and have an additional charge separate from the aquarium admission fee.
The aquarium also has volunteer opportunities for those interested in helping to care for the animals or educating aquarium visitors. Educational opportunities at the aquarium include summer day camps for children, activities for families, school field trip programs and guest speakers.
Visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with the exception of December 25 and during the Grand Prix of Long Beach, an annual three day event that takes place in April. The aquarium is located at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach, California. Parking is available in the adjacent garage.
Source:
The Aquarium of the Pacific Accessed June 24, 2010.
Terrie Schultz - Terrie Schultz holds a BS in Biochemistry and an MA in Cell and Molecular Biology. She worked for many years in the biomedical field in ...
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